Young voters in Mpumalanga are stepping up ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.
Over 25,000 individuals under 21 registered to vote during the recent voter registration weekend. The province saw a total of 212,281 registrations, marking a significant increase in youth participation compared to previous years.
Mpumalanga Sees Surge in Young Voter Registrations
During the voter registration weekend on June 20 and 21, Mpumalanga recorded 212,281 voter registrations and updates. This placed the province sixth nationally. Among these, 25,199 first-time voters were under the age of 21, highlighting a growing trend of youth engagement in the electoral process.
IEC Mpumalanga spokesperson Thanduxolo Chembeni noted that 2,680 registrants were under 18, while 22,519 fell between the ages of 18 and 21. The data indicates that young people are increasingly taking an interest in shaping their political landscape.
Key Figures on Voter Registration in Mpumalanga
- 212,281 total voter registrations and updates
- 25,199 first-time voters under the age of 21
- 40,722 total first-time voters
- 171,559 existing voters updated their registration details
- 28.5 million total voters on the national roll
Efforts to Engage Young Voters
The IEC’s Tertiary Institution Campaign played a crucial role in registering students at colleges and universities. This initiative, along with support from political parties and civil society organizations, has encouraged more young people to participate in the electoral process.
To facilitate voter registration, the IEC has made its Online Voter Registration Portal zero-rated, allowing users to register without mobile data costs. This move aims to further increase participation ahead of the elections.
Upcoming Voter Registration Events
- A second voter registration weekend is scheduled for August 1 and 2, 2026.
- Online registration will remain open until the end of the registration period.
Young voters are ready to make their voices heard in Mpumalanga.
